Criminal Defence and Civil Litigation Solicitor

William James Recruitment; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

London or Midlands location

Travel expenses covered

Wellbeing and work-life balance

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Solicitor with around 2 years’ PQE to join a well-established international law firm in London or the Midlands.

The role blends privately funded criminal defence work with civil litigation, offering client-facing responsibilities and autonomy over a caseload. You will conduct research, draft documents and represent clients across hearings in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with around 2 years’ PQE.
• Strong criminal defence experience is essential.
• Civil litigation experience is advantageous, especially contractual disputes or general civil claims.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of privately funded criminal defence matters.
• Handle civil litigation matters, including contractual disputes and general civil claims.
• Advise and represent high-net-worth individuals and privately paying clients.
• Manage matters independently while seeking support on more complex issues.
• Undertake legal research, case preparation and drafting.
• Liaise with clients, counsel, courts and other professional advisers.
• Attend hearings and meetings as required.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Travel to other offices and client locations when required.
• Contribute to business development and the continued growth of the team.

Skills

Criminal defence

Civil litigation

Client relationship management

Case management

Legal research

Drafting

Job description

Criminal Defence & Civil Litigation Solicitor - Hybrid Working - London or Midlands

A well-established international law firm is looking to recruit a Solicitor with around 2 years’ PQE to join its established Crime and Civil Litigation team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with a strong criminal law background who is looking to broaden their practice through exposure to a range of civil litigation matters. The role combines privately funded criminal defence work with general civil litigation, including contractual disputes and other contentious matters.

You’ll have the opportunity to manage your own caseload, work directly with clients and take responsibility for matters from instruction through to resolution, while benefiting from the support of an experienced and collaborative team.

The Role:

• Manage a varied caseload of privately funded criminal defence matters
• Handle a range of civil litigation matters, including contractual disputes and general civil claims
• Advise and represent high-net-worth individuals and privately paying clients
• Manage matters independently while seeking support on more complex issues where appropriate
• Undertake legal research, case preparation and drafting
• Liaise with clients, counsel, courts and other professional advisers
• Attend hearings and meetings as required
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Travel to other offices and client locations when required
• Contribute to business development and the continued growth of the team

About You:

• Qualified Solicitor with around 2 years’ PQE, although flexibility will be considered for the right candidate
• Strong experience in criminal defence work is essential
• Civil litigation experience would be advantageous, particularly in contractual disputes, general civil claims or other contentious work
• Comfortable managing your own caseload
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent client care and relationship management abilities
• Confident dealing with high-net-worth and privately paying clients
• Well organised with strong attention to detail
• Able to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team
• Comfortable with occasional UK travel

The Benefits:

• Hybrid working, with an average of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home
• Choice of London or Midlands location
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• High-quality privately funded work
• Exposure to complex and interesting matters
• Regular opportunities for client contact and responsibility
• Working hours of 9:00am-5:30pm
• Strong career development and progression opportunities
• Financial recognition for new business generated
• Travel expenses covered, including overnight accommodation where required
• A strong focus on employee wellbeing and work-life balance